English Reference
verb · adjective

written

v. · adj.
US /ˈɹɪtən/ UK /ɹˈɪtən/ writ·ten

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    v.the form of 'write' used after 'have' or 'be'.

    v.the past participle of the irregular verb 'write', used to form the present perfect, past perfect, and passive voice.

    Simple

    She has written several books about her travels in Asia.

    In context

    By the time the editor arrived, the journalist had already written the lead story and was beginning the final draft of the editorial.

    Pitfall
    I have wrote three letters today. I have written three letters today.

    Use 'written' (past participle) with 'have', not 'wrote' (past simple).

  2. 02 A2 Elementary

    adj.expressed in writing rather than spoken.

    adj.existing in a physical or digital textual format; often contrasted with oral or verbal communication.

    Simple

    The teacher asked for a written excuse for his absence.

    In context

    The contract requires a written notice of termination at least thirty days prior to the end of the fiscal year.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Law

    adj.official rules or laws that are recorded in a document.

    adj.formally documented or codified, especially in a legal or institutional context.

    Simple

    The company has a written policy against using phones during meetings.

    In context

    The judge noted that while the agreement was understood by both parties, it lacked the weight of a written statute.


Morphologically write + -en.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated